Townhouse Association discusses meeting room

The Townhouse Association board of directors unanimously approved a bid to remodel the association’s meeting room.

Association manager David Whittlesey said the estimate came in at $11,243, which includes the bathrooms. This is important, he said, because the bathrooms are not currently in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which could open up the association to some liability.

The work could start within the next four to six weeks, he said, and workers expect to have the job finished within one week.

The carpet has been in place more than 20 years, he said, and is expected to be replaced with a tough, spill-proof vinyl flooring,

“It’s in pretty tough shape,” he said.

But improving the interior, he said, could help rent out the meeting room more often, which could help the association recoup some of the expense. It might also be worthwhile, he said, to open the doors to businesses and allow people to rent the room to sell products.

The board also discussed opening the meeting room to nonmembers.

Whittlesey said he had concerns, because non-residents may have a loud, disruptive party or cause damage the deposit won’t cover.

“I think it sets a little bit of a dangerous precedent if we’re opening up townhouse things to the general public,” he said. “I would definitely not do it unless we’re charging a higher fee for a nonmember.”

Opening to renters, he said, is one possibility to consider.

Currently, he said, the fee sits at $20 per day with a $50 refundable deposit.

Some board members suggested increasing that fee.

The board’s chair, Jack

Adams, said this might not be the best approach.

“I hesitate increasing it. I know one thing about Bella Vista, they don’t like very high fees,” he said.

The room could attract people interested in playing cards or bridge, he said, as well as parties and family reunions — but many of these groups could be put off by higher fees.

He suggested having the renovations performed, but sticking with the current fees and seeing how things turn out.

The board approved the remodel unanimously.

The board also voted unanimously in favor of

vinyl siding on Norwood Drive and a 20- by 20-foot carport on Walter Drive.